Build: Smarter A Seminar Series with Foster Lyons is brought to you by Gault Stone & Landscape Supplies.
For engaging in-person seminars designed for building professionals who want to learn, connect, and grow, this series combines practical insights with opportunities to network with peers and industry experts. Get ready to learn from Foster Lyons - Building Scientist, Engineer, & All Around Troubleshooter for Architectural/Construction/Engineered Projects!
Current Events
Masonry Sealers and Water Repellents
Thursday, September 24th, 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Explore what masonry sealers and penetrating water repellents actually do, how different product chemistries affect masonry performance, and when treatment can help - or harm - a wall. Attendees will learn how water moves through brick, stone, mortar, and concrete masonry; how penetrating repellents reduce liquid-water absorption without significantly restricting water-vapor movement; and why the decision to treat masonry should begin with determining whether treatment is appropriate for the wall in the first place.
Fall is here, and we’re serving up something delicious! Join us for a Meatball Bar, Apple Cider Ginger Mule, and an evening of great conversation with fellow industry professionals. Plus, enjoy a special wine tasting with Foster featuring Montenidoli Vernaccia “Fiore” 2023 and Talenti Rosso di Montalcino 2023.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the differences between penetrating water repellents, film-forming coatings, densifiers, and consolidants, including how each affects masonry’s pore structure and moisture movement.
Learn how capillary absorption and contact angle influence water entry and how hydrophobic treatments can reduce liquid-water absorption while maintaining water-vapor transport.
Evaluate key factors including substrate type, pore structure, salts, cracks and joints, secondary water paths, moisture conditions, penetration depth, and product chemistry when determining whether a treatment will improve or negatively impact masonry durability.
Develop a practical approach to specification and quality control by determining when treatment is appropriate, selecting the right chemistry for the substrate, completing necessary repairs first, and using mock-ups, absorption testing, and penetration-depth measurements to verify performance.
Masonry Fireplace and Chimney Function, Draft, and Backdraft
Thursday, October 22nd, 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Explore how a masonry fireplace and chimney work together as a single flow system - and why a chimney may draft, spill, or backdraft under different conditions. Attendees will learn how chimney buoyancy, fireplace and chimney geometry, building pressure, and weather interact to influence fireplace performance, as well as how to identify the underlying causes of common draft and smoke problems.
Come for the seminar, stay for the Oktoberfest! Enjoy craft beer, sliders, and warm soft pretzels while catching up with fellow professionals and enjoying an evening at Gault Stone.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the physical basis of chimney draft and how the unequal weight of warm flue gases and outdoor air creates the pressure difference that drives airflow, including the distinction between theoretical, available, and measured draft.
Understand how fireplace and chimney geometry - including the opening, throat, damper, smoke chamber, flue, chimney height, and termination - affects flow resistance, draft, and smoke capture.
Evaluate how building and environmental conditions such as a cold chimney, stack effect, building airtightness, exhaust fans, interior doors, combustion-air inlets, and wind can alter fireplace pressure and contribute to spillage or flow reversal.
Distinguish between spillage, backdrafting, downdrafting, and cold backdrafting and learn how field observations and pressure measurements can help identify the most likely cause of a fireplace or chimney performance problem.
Freeze-Thaw Damage in Natural Stone & How to Read Those ASTM Test Reports
Thursday, November 19th, 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Go beyond the simple “water expands when it freezes” explanation to understand how pore structure, moisture, temperature, and stone characteristics contribute to freeze-thaw damage. Learn how to interpret stone test reports and combine laboratory data with real-world conditions to make more informed decisions about exterior stone performance.
A Stone Yard Sampler you won’t want to miss! Enjoy chicken, beef, and shrimp skewers alongside a refreshing cranberry wine cocktail as we wrap up the fall seminar series.
Learning Objectives:
Explain how water, pore structure, temperature, and moisture conditions contribute to freeze-thaw damage in natural stone.
Understand what common ASTM stone tests measure—and what their results do and do not tell you about field performance.
Evaluate stone test reports by considering specimen preparation, conditioning, variability, failure criteria, and relevance to the intended application.
Apply laboratory data alongside petrography, climate, drainage, drying potential, stone orientation, and detailing to better assess freeze-thaw suitability.
Are you interested in more Build Smarter Events?
Please let us know what topics you’re interested in for Fall - Winter 2026!
Past Events
2025
Building Disasters - Don’t Do This
Thursday, September 18th, 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Kick off the series with an insider’s look at common local design and building mistakes that can lead to major, systemic problems. Foster Lyons will break down what goes wrong, why it happens, and how to prevent these costly issues. For situations where remedies are possible, he’ll also share effective solutions.
Enjoy complimentary Tequila & Tacos for cautionary tales with a kick.
Learning Objectives:
Identify common local design schemes that often lead to serious building issues.
Understand the underlying physics behind these problems.
Learn how to design new projects that avoid these pitfalls.
Explore practical repair solutions for existing issues.
Decks & Balconies: Roofs You Can Walk On
Thursday, October 16th, 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Elevated decks over living spaces are a hallmark of Fairfield County homes - but so are the leaks and failures that often follow. This seminar dives into why these issues happen and how to prevent them. From cracked tiles and efflorescence to water staining, condensation, and loose railings, Foster will cover the problems that keep homeowners, builders, and architects awake at night. You’ll leave with actionable solutions and a clearer understanding of how to design and build decks and balconies that last.
An al fresco feel with complimentary Rose and Skewers for these outdoor living structures.
Learning Objectives:
Design pedestrian decks and balconies that function as roofs while meeting prescriptive code requirements.
Develop effective drainage schemes for elevated decks and balconies.
Create durable, leak-free roofing, waterproofing, and flashing systems.
Design secure, waterproof railing attachment schemes at the edges of decks and balconies.
Stucco: OK, but I Wish You Wouldn’t
Thursday, November 20th, 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Stucco may look appealing, but in Fairfield County - especially near the waterfront - it often creates more problems than it solves. With our climate, rainfall, and common construction practices, stucco failures are all too familiar. In this seminar, Foster breaks down the different types of stucco systems, the common pitfalls in installation, and how to design durable cladding solutions that can stand up to local conditions. You’ll gain practical insights into when stucco makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
You’ll learn when stucco makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to avoid costly mistakes - all while enjoying complimentary Sangria and Charcuterie, plus a red and white wine tasting featuring Domaine Bois de Boursan Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Domaine le Sang des Cailloux.
Learning Objectives:
Differentiate between various cladding systems often referred to as stucco.
Identify construction methods that create problems in both traditional and modern stucco cladding.
Recognize environmental conditions that require compliance with new building code requirements for stucco.
Design stucco cladding systems that are both functional and durable.
2026
Efflorescence Prevention
Thursday, January 22nd, 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Explore one of the most common - and frustrating - issues in masonry construction. While masonry is known for its beauty and durability, unsightly white staining can quickly diminish its appearance, leaving owners wondering why it occurs and how to prevent it. This class breaks down what efflorescence really is, why it happens, and what can be done to minimize the risk.
Join us for complimentary Prosecco and flatbreads while networking with peers and industry professionals. This event will feature a wine tasting with Foster, showcasing Pra Soave Classico Monte Grande 2022 and Roccolo Grassi Valpolicella Superiore 2019.
Learning Objectives:
Identify the four conditions necessary for efflorescence to occur
Understand the primary causes of efflorescence when it appears on a masonry assembly
Properly specify masonry materials to reduce the risk of efflorescence
Properly detail masonry assemblies to help prevent efflorescence
Masonry Stains, Cracks, and Other Irritating Defects
Thursday, February 19th, 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Stone masonry can be beautiful. Unfortunately, it is also subject to a myriad of defects. This class will help you understand various potential defects and how to prevent them.
Enjoy complimentary Craft Beers & Wings while networking with peers and industry professionals. This event will feature a wine tasting with Foster, showcasing a Walter Scott Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2024 and a Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Estate Grown Eola-Amity Hills 2023.
Learning Objectives:
1. Able to identify many possible stone masonry defects.
2. Able to identify the primary cause of various stone masonry defects.
3. Able to properly specify masonry materials to reduce the risk of experiencing defects.
4. Able to properly detail masonry assemblies to reduce the risk of experiencing defects.
Stucco and Plaster Defects
Thursday, March 26th, 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Stucco and plaster are among the oldest building materials, used worldwide. Unfortunately, they are subject to a variety of defects that can ruin their aesthetics and reduce their effectiveness. This class will help you understand various potential defects and how to prevent them.
Enjoy complimentary Pizza & Beers while networking with peers and industry professionals. This event will feature a Coastal California red & white wine tasting with Foster.
Learning Objectives:
Identify common stucco and plaster defects.
Understand the primary causes of various stucco and plaster failures.
Specify appropriate stucco and plaster materials to help reduce the risk of defects.
Detail stucco and plaster assemblies properly to minimize the potential for future issues.
